All inclusive

ZEL Punta Cana

Punta Cana 5.0

Overview

Zel is a collaborative lifestyle brand from Meliá Hotels International and tennis player Rafael Nadal that blends relaxation, sports & fitness, and social connection

Nestled amongst nature and from spectacular beaches, Zel Punta Cana welcomes guests from around the world with a unique hospitality experience that combines the Mediterranean lifestyle with the island charm of the Caribbean.

 

Check in

3:00 p.m.

Check out

12:00 p.m.

Rooms

ZEL Suite
796 square feet
  • 1 king bed, or 2 double beds
  • No more than 4 guests in the room
  • Minimum 1 adult, maximum 3 adults
ZEL Suite
796 square feet
Featured amenities

ZEL Master Suite
1076 square feet
  • 1 king bed, and 1 sofa bed
  • No more than 4 guests in the room
  • Minimum 1 adult, maximum 3 adults
ZEL Master Suite
1076 square feet
Featured amenities

ZEL Swim Up Suite
807 square feet
  • 1 king bed
  • No more than 4 guests in the room
  • Minimum 1 adult, maximum 3 adults
ZEL Swim Up Suite
807 square feet
Featured amenities
Additional details

Direct access to the pool from the private garden area

ZEL Swim Up Master Suite
1076 square feet
  • 1 king bed
  • No more than 4 guests in the room
  • Minimum 1 adult, maximum 3 adults
ZEL Swim Up Master Suite
1076 square feet
Featured amenities

ZEL Two Bedroom Master Suite
1883 square feet
  • 2 king beds, or 2 double beds
  • No more than 6 guests in the room
  • Minimum 2 adults, maximum 6 adults
ZEL Two Bedroom Master Suite
1883 square feet
Featured amenities

ZEL Two Bedroom Master Suite Swim Upr
1883 square feet
  • 2 king beds, or 2 double beds
  • Pool view
  • No more than 6 guests in the room
ZEL Two Bedroom Master Suite Swim Upr
1883 square feet
Featured amenities

Amenities


Location

Address
Playa de Bavara, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

4.5 Excellent

  • Cleanliness 4.7
  • Location 4.7
  • Rooms 4.7
  • Service 4.6
  • Value 4.3
TripAdvisor users rated this property 5 out of 5

Our Favorite Getaway – A Place to Reset and Feel at Home

R859MYHMK (Salem, Oregon) on Apr 30, 2025

We just returned from a 13-day stay at Zel Punta Cana, and once again, it did not disappoint. Having stayed here prior to the recent modernizations, we continue to find that this property stands out as our... favorite among the Melia Punta Cana options—and the one we keep coming back to. What we love most is the tropical, intimate, and quiet atmosphere. The swim-up room offers an extra touch of luxury and relaxation that makes it easy to disconnect from the busyness of life. Every stay allows us to truly reset—mind, body, and spirit—so we can return home refreshed and re-energized. One of the most meaningful parts of returning to Zel is the people. Many of the staff recognize us by name and greet us like family. Their passion for service is evident, and they consistently work hard to create an experience that is both comfortable and memorable. A few individuals deserve special mention for making our stay exceptional: Angela, one of the managers, greeted us warmly each day and regularly checked in to ensure everything was going well. Leticia at Parda and Volcon delivered consistent, attentive, and thoughtful service throughout our meals. Ontaro, the pool server, was always nearby with a friendly smile, making sure our drinks were topped off and we had everything we needed. We do have one request—one that comes from a place of appreciation and hope. We would love to see Domingo, a longtime server, return to Parda. His presence and exceptional level of service have always made guests feel individually cared for and welcomed like family. He sets a powerful example of what true hospitality looks like. Zel Punta Cana continues to be the peaceful escape we treasure. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

TripAdvisor users rated this property 3 out of 5

The Most Honest Review You’ll Find — Read Before Booking

Rada T on Apr 30, 2025

After two weeks of research and review hunting, we decided to share the real, unfiltered truth — because trust us, most reviews out there aren't telling the full story. First off, this resort is visually... stunning. Every corner is picture-perfect — you could point your camera in any direction and it would look luxurious. We stayed for 7 days and from a visual standpoint, it’s a 10/10. But let’s start at the beginning: There is self check-in — yes, you read that right. No warm welcome, no personal service. As seasoned travelers who have visited the Dominican Republic over eight times, we found this surprising for a so-called 5-star property. Important note: There are no elevators — something to seriously consider if you have children or mobility concerns and end up on a higher floor. Now, the food... It was extremely underwhelming. Having traveled extensively throughout the Dominican, we can confidently say this was the weakest food experience we've had. It's not quite "Cuba-bad," but it certainly doesn’t meet the five-star standard they promote. While it’s understandable that new resorts experience growing pains, the overall service was disappointing. The Service: Despite being overstaffed, the level of service did not match expectations. Only about 10 staff members stood out for their friendliness and professionalism. Many others seemed distracted or disengaged, often preoccupied with their phones. Staff rarely came around to check if guests needed anything at the pool or beach — and yes, we were tipping generously. It also felt like the rules and offerings changed daily depending on who was working. For six days, coffee at the pool was no problem, and then suddenly on the last day, three staff members (again on their phones) told us they had "run out" and suggested we walk to the front bar to get it ourselves. It was surprising, especially when simple hospitality could have made a big difference. Now, let’s talk about the music: Whoever is in charge of the playlist — I’m begging you — please refresh it. Hearing ABBA and "YMCA" 30 times a day really took away from the atmosphere. It felt more like a retirement cruise than a luxurious Caribbean getaway. Final thoughts: While the resort itself is breathtakingly beautiful, the inconsistent service, average food, and strange management choices would keep us from returning — at least for now. Staff training and stronger leadership are definitely needed. That being said, the gym is absolutely amazing — modern, clean, and fully equipped for a serious workout. And worth mentioning — the beds are incredibly comfortable, making it easy to get a great night’s sleep after long days in the sun. If you're coming strictly for aesthetics, you’ll love it. But if you value service, good food, and a true five-star experience, this isn't it — yet.

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